Social media is no longer just for big brands – it’s just as important for small business owners – maybe even more so with its relatively low cost. Since the average user spends around 2 hours and 25 minutes on social media every day, business owners can expand their presence and potentially their customer base by building a presence on social media. However, it is important to do so in a way that protects your business from cyber criminals. In 2019, social media crime reported 9.6 billion records at risk.
“Social media can be hugely beneficial to businesses,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, president and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “However, protecting the company from cyber criminals should also be a priority.”
BBB offers the following recommendations to help protect your small business’s social media accounts:
Secure your passwords
While passwords are the most common form of security for social media accounts, using the same password on all social platforms is a bad idea. Passwords must be unique for each account. It’s also a good idea to avoid passwords that are easy to guess. For example, using your first name or your mother’s maiden name will make it easier for hackers to access your account.
Instead, use a password that follows these guidelines:
- At least 8-10 characters long
- Must contain at least 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase letter
- Must contain at least 1 number
- Must contain at least 1 special character
Change your passwords regularly
It is a good idea to change your passwords regularly to avoid security breaches. This can be a complex process, but it is important
Restrict account access to key employees
This will prevent unauthorized access to your account and potentially lock you out.
Use two-factor authentication
This security measure prevents unauthorized persons from accessing your social media accounts. When you log into your account, in addition to the usual password, you will be asked to enter a second authentication factor, e.g. B. a numeric code that is sent to your email or phone.
Use strong encryption tools
Social media platforms like Facebook use encryption to keep your data safe and secure. However, these encryption tools aren’t foolproof, so it’s a good idea to use them in addition to the encryption tools provided by social media platforms.
Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity
Be vigilant about suspicious activity. If you discover any unauthorized activity, report it before the hackers have a chance to compromise your account.
Get more digital marketing tips from BBB. Having a solid online presence is an important strategy for small businesses, but without the right precautions can easily become a potential risk to your brand. Stay up to date on digital marketing and business news by going to bbb.org.
(About BBB: BBB is a non-profit, company-backed organization that sets and maintains high standards of fair and honest business conduct. Most BBB consumer services are free. BBB offers objective advice, free BBB business profiles on more than 5, 3 million businesses, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts, and educational information on issues affecting market trust. For more information, visit bbb.org. There are over 100 local, independent BBBs in the US, Canada and Mexico, including BBB Serving Central East Texas, which was founded in 1985 and serves 19 counties.)
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